With Margot Robbie starring as Barbie, it’s the most anticipated movie of 2023. It taps into fashion’s Barbiecore, an aesthetic paying homage to all things pink and playful, but if you’re not quite game enough for fuchsia platforms (or Barbie-branded heels), there’s an easier way to dip your toe in the trend – through makeup.
The obvious choice here is pink – pink cheeks, pink nails, pink shimmer on the eyes and a pink lip, and we advise you to go crazy!
A long-lasting foundation
First, you need to put down a layer of foundation to nail Barbie’s perfect skin. We’re all human, so bound to have pores and spots that plastic dolls don’t have, so finding the right foundation will give you a more even complexion.
From left: Revlon Illuminance Skin-Caring Foundation, $34.99, from Chemist Warehouse, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $118, from Adore Beauty, Maybelline Fit Me Dewy + Smooth Foundation, $18.79, from Chemist Warehouse
Glowy skin
Barbie is plastic, so a bit – or a lot, depending on your commitment – of a shine or glow will help round out the look. To get Barbie’s radiant complexion, apply a highlighter (like the luminous Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Highlighter) to the high planes of the face and body, ie the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, temple and décolletage.
From left: Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Highlighting Powder Gelée, $100, from Sephora, Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Highlighter, $61.50, from Adore Beauty, Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer, $47, from Sephora.
Rosy cheeks & bright eyes
Barbie’s bubbly demeanour is paired with a rosy flush of colour in the apples of her cheeks (you can’t go wrong with the pastel-hued Benefit Dandelion Baby-Pink Blush). You can also use blush to create a pink-ish eyeshadow look, which really makes eyes pop.
From left: Huda Beauty Rose Quartz Eyeshadow Palette, $115, from Adore Beauty, MAC Cosmetics Connect in Colour Eyeshadow Palette, $87, from Adore Beauty, DIOR Rosy Glow Blush, $83, from Adore Beauty
Baby-doll lashes
Barbie’s lashes are iconic, with statement upper lashes and bottom lashes that appear separated for the ultimate doll-like vibe. Begin with an eyelash curler, then choose a wow-worthy mascara. For even more drama, try incorporating false lashes, either as a full strip or trimmed into smaller segments (try the Velour Lashes clusters), applied just to the outer corner of the eye.
From left: Ardell Eco Lash, $10.4,9, from Chemist Warehouse, Maybelline Lash Sky High Mascara, $26.99, from Chemist Warehouse, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, $44.50, from StrawberryNet
Glossy lips
I’m sure you knew this was coming, but glossy pink lips are a must for this look. Go for hydrating, shiny and layer-able shades. Add a neutral lip liner (like this versatile number from Anastasia Beverly Hills) if you want to emphasise your Cupid’s bow.
From left: Maybelline Lifter Gloss, $23.99, from Adore Beauty, Lanolips Glossy Balm, $14 (usually $17.50), from Adore Beauty, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Heat Lip Luminizer + Plumper, $46, from Sephora
